Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc (Hons)

COURSE INFORMATION (2013 ENTRY)

3 years or 4 years sandwich

Health and Life Sciences
Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus

Chemistry is the science that underpinned most of the major discoveries of the 20th century and will continue to do so throughout the 21st, as emphasis moves towards the understanding of biological approaches and more eco-friendly synthetic systems.

The Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc (Hons) relates to the uses of chemistry in modern society in the development, production and analysis of bio-active compounds. In particular it concentrates on those chemical aspects related to human biology including biochemistry, pharmacognosy, medicine, design and synthesis of drugs including computer aided molecular modelling.

The course places a strong emphasis on 'hands-on' laboratory work and applications of chemistry to the modern world. At least 40% of the curriculum involves laboratory or computer based experimentation and access to modern instrumental techniques will be paramount in your development. A thorough grounding in theoretical aspects will provide you with the skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities required for a successful career in industry, teaching, research and other careers where scientific skills are valued.

The course aims to:

• provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications to pharmaceuticals
• provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the bioscience which underpins pharmaceutical chemistry
• enable you to develop and apply your skills and methodology to a range of techniques used in pharmaceutical chemistry
• develop your professional transferable skills as exemplified by communication, information technology, problem solving and teamwork.
• help you understand the importance of pharmaceutical chemistry in a modern social and commercial context
• give you an appreciation of chemistry and its integration with bioscience as applied to pharmaceutical chemistry
• provide you with challenging and innovative teaching and learning
• develop your critical faculties and problem solving skills to facilitate employment in non-scientific careers and provide a grounding for continuing education and development
• satisfy the requirements of the Royal Society of Chemistry for Associate Membership and provide you with the basis for progression to Chartered Chemist status through further study.

The distinctive aspects of the course include:

• a strong emphasis on the development of practical laboratory skills and hands-on experience of modern scientific instrumentation and methodology, particularly in relation to the chemistry of pharmaceuticals
• the opportunity for a salaried industrial placement between the second and final years of academic study
• hands-on practical studies of the modern computational aspects of pharmaceutical chemistry throughout the course which embraces and enhances theoretical studies located elsewhere within the course.

This is a full-time course with an optional year-long work placement after the second year of academic study.

Year 1
The first year will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the study of the key areas of chemistry which underpin pharmaceutical chemistry. Key foundations in the relevant biosciences are also introduced. Your analytical and laboratory skills will be developed and specialised applications in pharmaceutical chemistry initiated.

Year 2
In the second year your core themes of chemistry will be developed further and you will study more specialist topics relevant to pharmaceutical chemistry. You will develop higher laboratory, intellectual and transferable skills and will study statistics. An option module within the bioscience sub-area will be available to you. Progression will be made from comprehension to analysis and application throughout this level.

Optional Placement Year
Between the second and third year of academic study, you can choose an optional, salaried industrial placement, thus enhancing your future job prospects and providing you with a valuable insight into the commercial applications of the chemical sciences.

Final Year
In the final year, the focus is on advanced and specialist topics in pharmaceutical chemistry with support from a small number of core chemistry modules developing your knowledge and skills from previous years. Option modules will be available for you to customise your programme of study and finally, a research project will give you the opportunity to undertake a major investigation into the development of synthetic methodology for potentially bio-active compounds.

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LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The programme is delivered via a range of lectures, seminars, tutorials and IT sessions. These are complemented by practical and laboratory activity, which accounts for over 40% of the delivery. 

This emphasis on practical laboratory analysis provides the student with a strong foundation in a wide range of methodologies and practical skills using state-of-the-art instrumentation.  The teaching practices are designed to develop the transferable skills expected of a science graduate, particularly with regard to communication and presentation of the results of investigations as well as IT skills.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment methods include exams, assignments, essays, laboratory reports, problem-solving exercises, data analysis, presentations (oral and poster style), literature surveys and project work. The majority of these assessment methods are classed as coursework, and many include laboratory or practical elements. 

ACCREDITATION

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry as suitable for admission to Associate Membership of the Society (AMSRC).

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Transfer to other chemistry programmes is possible within the first semester of Year 1.

CAREERS

Our graduates have progressed into a range of roles which exploit their knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, including analytical chemistry positions in product release or stability testing and quality control, as well as roles that utilise their synthetic chemistry knowledge. Graduates have also used their chemical expertise to gain employment in technology companies, making products as diverse as paints, washing powder and beauty products.

The degree programme also leads to continued academic study to MSc or PhD level. For those students considering teaching as a career, the final year offers a chance to take 'students into schools' modules as option choices, working in a school under the supervision of qualified teachers.

The optional placement year provides further development of an appreciation of science in an industrial, commercial, or service-based context whilst enhancing your ability for independent and team work, communication skills, time-management as well as a range of other people- and life-skills

OTHER INFO

Course Staff
Staff expertise covers all core areas of chemistry. Our staff also have direct involvement in research in a range of topic areas.

Further Study
Upon successful completion, you may wish to carry on your studies by working towards an MSc, MRes, PGCE or PhD qualification.

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Northumbria University has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information published is accurate at the time of publication. However, the University gives no warranty or representation as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information.